How do I know if I need to seal my granite?
• One method you can use to check if your granite needs to be resealed is to sprinkle some water on your countertops. If the water soaks into the stone and does not bead up, then we would recommend resealing your granite. Prevent having to seal your countertops by using Supreme Surface Granite Cleaner and Conditioner on a frequent basis.

How will I know if my old cabinets can support a new countertop?
• Stone countertops can weigh upwards of 25 pounds per square foot and most of the time structural integrity is a good idea to prevent future problems such as seam seperation. At the time of your estimate or template, our team will make sure your cabinets are structurally sound to handle the weight of your new countertops.

Will my countertop have a seam?
• We try extremely hard to avoid seams, but the reality is that the majority of kitchen countertops will have a seam no matter how hard we try. We are limited to the dimensions of the slab and consumption of material figured for the project.

How is the seam placement determined?
• Seams are determined by Supreme Surface, Inc. depending on countertop layout, slab sizes, support needed, and material usage.

Can Marble be used in the kitchen?
• Marble is a beautiful stone but most marbles are not recommended for use in the kitchen because of its tendency to stain, etch, and scratch. However because of its beauty and the classic look, marble is an excellent choice for vanities, wet bars and fireplace surrounds.

Can I cut on granite?
• Yes, Granite is an extremely tough, durable material and in most cases can be used as a cutting surface without fear of scratching the stone (although knives may dull the surface by repeated cutting on the stone). However, with that being said, we always recommend using a cutting board.

Can I set hot pans on granite countertops?
• Yes, Granite is ideal for kitchens because under normal conditions it will not burn. Granite will not be harmed by hot pots, pans or open flames.

Can I set hot pans on quarts countertops?
• NO, quartz countertops are a durable countertop surface for kitchens because under normal conditions they will not burn. However, our experience has shown that the manmade elements of quartz such as the resin can and in many cases will discolor. Granite will not be harmed by hot pots, pans or open flames.

Does granite chip or scratch?
• Granite is a very dense material and under normal conditions it is chip and scratch resistant. However, pots, pans and other heavy objects may chip the square edge around a sink area. Several other edge profiles are available that will look beautiful and reduce the chances of chipping.

Does granite stain?

In general it is unlikely. All stone and quartz counters are porous to some extent, however granite has very little porosity relative to other stones. Most granite colors will never show moisture but some colors will show a dark spot if a puddle of liquid is left on the counter for a period of time. To be safe, be sure that your granite is sealed properly before or during installation. Consider using Supreme Surface Granite Cleaner and Conditioner on a frequent basis and never seal your granite again.

Should granite be sealed?
• Though not necessary, all granites are sealed. The sealer used is a penetrating sealer that does not change the color of the stone. It penetrates the stone and will help prevent any staining. However, it will not stop the penetration of moisture entirely. When a liquid that might cause staining spills on top, it should be cleaned up as soon as possible. Reduce your exposer to staining by using Supreme Surface Cleaners that contain ioSeal Protectants.

Can granite be repaired?
• While it is difficult to permanently repair granite, it is also very difficult to damage it. However, if some damage does occur, granite usually can be repaired by a mix of epoxy and ground up chips of granite.

Does granite have a completely smooth surface?
• No. Many granites contain pits and fissures that are natural characteristics of granite. Some granites exhibit these characteristics more than others, and the lighting of the room can make these marks more or less visible. These characteristics should be pointed out to the client prior to deciding on a particular material and pre-approval of the actual slab is recommended.

What do seams look like?

• We use the Phantom Seam tooling system. This method is unlike traditional methods for installing granite seams.

How long are the slabs, and can seams be avoided?
• The average slab size is typically 98" to 115" long by 55" to 72" tall
• Your Project Manager will work with each customer to place a few seams as possible in a kitchen. Seams are required based on slab size and may be needed to maintain the structural integrity of the countertop.

How long can granite countertop pieces be?
• It is typically safe to have granite pieces that are approximately 6' to 8' long, depending upon the stone type and cutout configurations.

What is the difference between 2cm and 3cm? And what is the most appropriate thickness for the tops?
• The 2cm thick stone is approximately 3/4" thick. The 3cm is approximately 1 3/16" thick. We recommend using the 3cm for the kitchen countertops for both aesthetic reasons and structural reasons.

How much overhang can you have without supports, and what type of supports is required?
• For 3cm stone, we recommend I-brace supports with overhangs that are 12" or greater. For 2cm stone, we recommend a I-brace supports, cantilevered bracket or corbels that match the cabinets. I-brace supports are spaced every 18"-24" and other bracket systems are spaced every 3' to 4'.

What type of sink can be used?
• There are few requirements when it comes to sinks. In order to maintain the structural integrity of the countertop, we require at least 3" of stone in front and back of the sink cutout. Supreme Surface, Inc. uses aluminum undermont sink brackets that are attached to the base cabinet for almost every sink installed. Additionally, we recommend that if 2cm stone is being used, and over mount sink should be provided. Supreme Surface, Inc. will need to know the sink type prior to Templating the project.

How does the dishwasher attach to the granite tops?
• The best way to attach a dishwasher for the dishwasher to have mounting brackets on the side that attach the base cabinets. For older models we use a dishwasher mount bracket system. This allows the dishwasher to screw into a bracket system mounted under the counter top surface.

Details About Granite

• Weight
3cm granite weighs approximately 21lbs – 25lbs per square foot and 2cm granite weighs approximately 15lbs. per square foot. 2cm marble weighs approximately 13.5lbs. per square foot. Both granite and marble are easily supported by standard floor and cabinet systems. For safety requirements, pieces weighing more than 550lbs. may require a seam.

• Thickness
All or our granite is available in 3cm (approximately 1 3/16") thickness, and some granite as well as all of the marbles are available in 2cm (approximately 3/4") thickness. We recommend using the 3cm because its structural integrity is superior to the 2cm and it is aesthetically more pleasing than the thinner stone.

• Seams
The average length of a slab is about 113”, runs longer than this may require a seam. Other additional factors that may require a top to have a seam include: weight of material, cabinet structure, access to job, and type of material. Supreme Surface, Inc. will work with the Builder, Dealer and the customer in every way possible to ensure that seams are kept to a minimum and are discretely place, while maintaining the structural integrity of the stone. Seam location and quantity of seams may affect pricing.

• Edges
Edges include Straight, Eased, Full and Half Bullnose, Bevel, and Ogee. All edges are priced separately. All quotes from Supreme Surface, Inc. include an Eased edge.

• Overhangs
An overhang of stone in excess of 12" past the edge of a cabinet should be braced.

• Sink
There are few requirements when it comes to sinks. In order to maintain the structural integrity of the countertop, we require at least 3" of stone in front and back of the sink cutout. Supreme Surface, Inc. uses aluminum undermont sink brackets that are attached to the base cabinet for almost every sink installed. Additionally, we recommend that if 2cm stone is being used, and over mount sink should be provided. Supreme Surface, Inc. will need to know the sink type prior to scheduling your template the project.

• Appliances and Cut-Outs
The width of material and front and behind appliances and cutouts is a critical issue that will vary from job to job depending on material selection, dimensions, and appliances.

• Cabinets
Cabinets must be permanently set and leveled prior to field dimension by our Templating team.

• Job Site Conditions
Each cabinet layout and granite project is different and will offer unique challenges. Therefore, granite seam placement, granite cutout options, and granite support requirements will vary from project to project. Please discuss all issues and preferences with your Supreme Surface Project Manager prior to confirmation of details with your client.

• Material Variation
Stone is product of nature and difference in color and vein characteristics are to be expected. Viewing and approving material prior to fabrication is may be recommended depending on the type and color. 2cm granites will not always match 3cm slabs or the same material. Back splashes generally will be cut from 3cm stock unless otherwise indicated by the designer or project manager.